My name is Kristen. I’m a poet at heart…

…but then someone gave me a red pen.

I discovered the joy of language, poetry, and puns through a life-long love of writing poetry, reading all kinds of books, earning a BA in English, and a career as a proposal writer for a leading non-profit. Though writing poetry is still my favorite, I enjoyed the challenge of attempting different types of writing – short stories, marketing blurbs, literary analysis, event scripts, biographical essays, and technical writing. However, I always felt that editing came more naturally to me than writing. As I closed one chapter as a professional writer, I immersed myself in the chapters of a book and quickly rediscovered my love of reading. And thanks to a few nudges from wise and wonderful people, I thought – what better way to share my talents with others than by jumping into the glorious abyss of freelance editing?

Courage in hand, a decision was made – and here I am!

I am also a lover of music and photography, and dabble in both on a regular basis. My life is a beautiful chaos that I wouldn’t change for the world – a big family on both sides of the pond, crazy kids, and a menagerie of fur babies. When I get a few moments to myself, you will find me in a big comfy chair, wrapped up in my TARDIS blanket, with movie soundtracks playing in the background (usually a smattering of Howard Shore, James Horner, David Arnold, and John Williams… but Beethoven is my forever and always), and sipping on a hot cup of tea with a good book in my lap.

Favorite books include:

My Philosophy

Courage

Hemingway said that “there is nothing to writing. You just sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” It takes courage to pour your heart and soul onto paper, and even greater courage to share that piece of yourself with another human being (much less an innumerable audience!). The courage you pour into your stories will inspire your readers, as well as inspire me as your editor — and I will bring my own courage to the table as we work together to finalize your project.

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the lord your God is with you wherever you go.
– Joshua 1:9

Trust

As a poet, I understand how it feels to allow someone to read your work. Rarely would I share my creative writings with a stranger, especially for review or critique, and only then it would be because it was required for a class. As a professional, I treasure the trust that my clients give me when they hand over a piece of their soul. I will treat your work as if it were my own, and will communicate with you as much as needed to ensure quality and satisfaction.

Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly, and they will show themselves great.– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Precision

Detail is the bedrock upon which I build my business. I’ve often been accused of being a grammar freak, and I wholeheartedly accept my role on the Grammar Police force. All fun aside — the subtleties of the English language have always come naturally to me, and when I am uncertain, I dig through my pile of grammar books until I am confident that I understand the applicable rules. You can rest assured that your manuscript will be ready for presentation when it leaves my hands.

Every detail matters. Details are the difference between good stuff and great stuff.– Stephen Brewster

Passion

Your passion is to create – to imagine worlds and breathe life into them. My passion is to ensure that your creation has a strong heartbeat and confident smile before you release it into the wild. Oscar Wilde stated that “a poet can survive anything but a misprint,” and it is my deepest desire to see you as an author not only survive, but thrive.

Purpose is the reason you journey. Passion is the fire that lights the way.
– unknown

A Final Word

I love to read books of all kinds, historical to sci-fi to modern, however I have one rule – please keep it PG. If there are some romantic elements, and even a short steamy scene or two, I’m sure we can work through it (think Empire of Storms by Maas, but not Fifty Shades of Grey). I do not read romance novels – if that is your genre, please accept my humble apologies, as I am certain there are other great editors who will review your work. I appreciate your honesty up front so that we can come to an agreement regarding this subject together. Thank you for understanding.

Between the pages of a book is a lovely place to be.

Unknown

I spent my life folded between the pages of books.

Tahereh Mafi

A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.

Neil Gaiman

I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book.

J.K. Rowling

Books are a uniquely portable magic.

Stephen King

A room without books is like a body without a soul.

Marcus Tullius Cicero

I am part of everything that I have read.

Theodore Roosevelt

You want weapons? We’re in a library! Books! The best weapons in the world!

The DoctorDoctor Who, BBC (2006)

Keep Reading. It’s one of the most marvelous adventures that anyone can have.